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Here’s Why You Might Get More Acne in Autumn

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Welcoming the first day of October means we have well and truly made the move from summer to autumn. As we leave the sunny season behind, you might think breakouts are no longer a cause of concern as there’ll be less sweat and time spent outdoors.

Thing is, autumn presents its own challenges for those with acne-prone skin.

For one, the change in season means cooler temperatures and lower humidity – not just outside, but indoors too with the dry heat from radiators. With less moisture in the environment, skin becomes more dehydrated. This in turn ramps up oil production. Dry, flaky skin can also lead to more dead skin cells. When these combine with the excess oil, we have the perfect recipe for acne-causing clogged pores.

To combat this, continue using Clear Out (our retinol + AZA lotion) to perpetually flush out clogs and make skin less prone to acne. Gentle and kind to sensitive skin, the lotion can be used throughout the colder months.

It’s also a good idea to add a boost of hydration to your routine to restore skin’s moisture levels and normalize oil production. Matte Hydrator is the go-to moisturizer for those with oily skin, but for other skin types, it can be used as a serum applied just before your moisturizer. Using 100% medical-grade, ultra-low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, it absorbs fully into skin and draws moisture into where it matters most.

As you adjust to colder days, you might also find comfort in longer, hotter showers which can further dry out your skin and disrupt your skin barrier. This leaves it at a higher risk of inflammation and irritation. This is where the nourishing Protective Moisturizer comes to the rescue. Loaded with medical-grade peptides and antioxidants, it strengthens your skin barrier, calms redness, and protects your skin from irritants. If your skin is on the dryer side, you could also top it off with a thicker, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

If you are wearing scarves and beanies to keep yourself warm this season, be sure to wash them regularly! While we love our cosy autumn accessories, they could easily become homes to sweat and bacteria, leading to breakouts.

Another reason you might be seeing more acne in autumn could come down to changes in your diet. From Halloween candy to pumpkin pies and comfort food, consuming more high-glycemic foods could lead to more acne. If you think certain foods could trigger a breakout, consider limiting it for a while but ultimately, remember that the key with diet is moderation. So go ahead and enjoy the many wonderful things this new season brings!

Have more questions about autumn skin care?

We’re here to help! Get in touch with us via Messenger chat or Instagram DM (@clearlybasics).

Disclaimer: This article should not be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical-related matters, please consult your dermatologist.

You Ask, We Answer: Does Stress Really Cause Acne?

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Final exams, wedding planning, a deadline looming – stress happens to everyone.

As if dealing with the uncomfortable feelings of stress isn’t enough, many of us also find that our acne gets worse during such times.

Is this just a myth or is there more to it?

What Does the Science Say?

While stress is not a direct cause of acne, research over the years has found a relationship between stress and acne flare-ups1. So yes, it’s not just in our heads.

Stress may not trigger breakouts for those who are not prone to it, but if you already have acne, stress may make it worse. You might have also noticed that the more stressed you are, the more pimples pop up.

A Stanford University study from 2003 found that its sample of students had more stress during exam time (understandably) as well as more severe acne2. Beyond that, they discovered increased acne severity was significantly associated with increased stress levels. This suggests that emotional stress from external sources may have a significant influence on acne.

Why is this the case? There are several reasons:

Increase in Oil Production

As you might already know (because we talk about it so often), at the root of all acne is a clogged pore. What causes pores to clog up is a build-up of dead skin cells, dirt, and excess oil.

When we’re stressed, our bodies release more of the hormone cortisol. This causes our sebaceous glands to ramp up production of oil, leading to more clogged pores and acne3.

A study of cultured (aka artificially grown) cells also found that cortisol, at a higher level, decreased the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA) by 50%4. Because HA is our skin’s natural moisturizer, this finding supports the link between increased cortisol levels and oil production. That is, having less HA can dehydrate skin, leading to more oil being produced as compensation.

If you find your skin is oily but dehydrated, you’ll love having the Matte Hydrator in your routine. Formulated with medical-grade ultra-low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, it will easily absorb into skin and leave a clean, matte finish.

Slower Healing

One study investigated the effects of psychological stress on wound healing. Researchers studied 13 women caring for a relative with Alzheimer’s disease (a likely source of stress) and 13 controls. All the women underwent a 3·5 mm punch biopsy wound. What the study found was that wound healing took significantly longer for the caregivers than the controls, suggesting stress could negatively affect wound repair5.

This means that when stressed, wounds, including acne, can take longer to heal. And when pimples stay longer on the skin, they can be more susceptible to increasing in severity.

Poorer Lifestyle Choices

Apart from what goes on inside our bodies when we’re stressed ,the negative emotions we experience can also lead us to poorer habits and choices. We could be eating more sugary foods, sleeping less, or deprioritizing our skincare routines. These can all lead acne to worsen.

How Can I Reduce Stress?

Whether you’re facing short-term stress from a big event you have right now, or more chronic stress from the many responsibilities in your life, it is crucial to find ways to manage it. If not for the sake of your skin, for your overall health.

What is relaxing to others may not be to you so give yourself time to find what works. Many people have benefited from yoga, meditation, exercise, extra sleep, and aromatherapy so consider making room for these in your schedule. You could also try knitting, painting, talking to a friend, or anything that makes you happy and helps you unwind.

While reducing stress can help give you clearer and healthier skin, it is important to note it should not be considered an acne treatment. You still need proper skin care to not only clear current acne, but prevent them from forming in the future.

A bonus is that your skincare routine can be a wonderful practice in mindfulness, which can help you slow down and relax!

Feeling stressed about skincare and all the options out there?

Clearly Basics is a skincare line made for acne-prone and sensitive skin. This means all our formulations are gentle enough to care for vulnerable skin yet effective enough to clear clogged pores and prevent future breakouts. Shop the line here.

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If you have more questions, we’re here to help! Get in touch with us via Messenger chat or Instagram DM (@clearlybasics).

References

  1. American Academy of Dermatology: Adult acne
  1. Annie Chiu, BS et al., 2003: The Response of Skin Disease to Stress
  1. Herbert P. Goodheart, MD, 2006: Acne for Dummies
  1. H Larjava et al., 1980: Cortisol decreases the synthesis of hyaluronic acid by human aortic smooth muscle cells in culture
  1. Prof J.K. Kiecolt-Glaser, PhD et al., 1995: Slowing of wound healing by psychological stress

Disclaimer: This article should not be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical-related matters, please consult your dermatologist.

Top 7 Summer Tips for Acne-prone Skin

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It’s officially summer! 

From seaside to poolside, it’s the season of sun-soaked fun and we can’t wait to spend more time outdoors!  

While there’s much to love about the warmer weather, it could also mean more breakouts as our skin gets exposed to more sweat, heat, and humidity. 

This means we need to give our skin extra TLC, especially if we have acne-prone skin.  

Keep these top tips in mind to prevent breakouts and minimize sun damage for happy, healthy skin: 

1. Go for a Lighter Moisturizer

If you’ve been using a heavier, creamier moisturizer during the colder months, you might want to switch to a more lightweight formula in the summer as your skin begins to produce more oil.  

The Protective Moisturizer is light, non-comedogenic, and won’t leave your skin feeling greasy. It is also packed with resveratrol, a potent antioxidant that relieves redness and protects the skin from damage caused by UV rays, pollution, and other harmful agents in the environment. That’s sure to come in handy as we spend more time outdoors this season.  

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Remember to moisturize daily, even if your skin already feels oily. 

Not convinced? Check out these five reasons to moisturize every day this summer, even when you have oily, acne-prone skin. 

2. Lock in Hydration 

Being out in the sun or even chilling in the AC all day can strip your skin of much-needed moisture.  

Use a facial mist to freshen your skin throughout the day and add humectants such as hyaluronic acid to lock in the moisture. Holding 1000x its weight in moisture, hyaluronic acid helps keep skin soft, plump, and dewy. It will also prevent dehydrated skin, which can lead to increased oil production and more acne.  

The Matte Hydrator, formulated with the highest quality of 100% medical-grade ultra-low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, is perfect for summertime hydration. Fast-absorbing and oil-free, use it on its own as a moisturizer for oily skin types or under the Protective Moisturizer as a serum.

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3. Apply (& Reapply) Sunscreen

We know, we know.  

You’ve heard this a thousand times before. 

But if it’ll get you to remember your sunscreen, we don’t mind repeating it a thousand times more.  

Whether it’s lowering your risk of skin cancer or keeping premature aging at bay, sunscreen is a must to protect you from harmful UV rays. 

Choose a broad-spectrum, non-comedogenic sunscreen with at least SPF 35 and a PA+++ rating. Our favorite is the EltaMD UV Clear with SPF 46. Designed for acne-prone skin, it’s fragrance-free, oil-free, and goes on well under makeup. 

Whichever sunscreen you decide on, be sure to reapply every 2 hours for maximum protection all day long. 

4. Keep the Sweat in Check 

When sweat mixes with the bacteria and oils on our skin, it can clog pores and cause breakouts. But truth is, from picnics at the park to walks by the beach, there’s no escaping sweat in the summer.  

Still, we can take extra care to make sure it doesn’t make our skin a playground for pimples. For one, hit the shower immediately after working out or sweating. If you’re out and about, gently blot sweat with a clean cloth to avoid irritation. You can also try wearing more breathable clothing to prevent excess heat and friction on your skin.

5. Give Skin a Thorough Cleanse  

With all that your skin goes through in the day, it deserves an extra good cleanse in the evening to get rid of all the sweat, dirt, and excess oils. 

However, be sure to choose a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type so it isn’t overly drying and harsh. If you have oily or combination skin, we recommend the Balancing Cleanser, formulated with glycolic acid (an AHA) and salicylic acid (a BHA) to give skin a deep cleanse without stripping away its natural oils. You can also leave this cleanser on for 30 minutes in the evening to get a gentle peel! Just be sure to apply sunscreen in the day (as you would anyway) as acids can make skin more sensitive to the sun. 

For all skin types, So Fresh is a great go-to as it has protective antioxidants and plant extracts that give skin a minty tingle to notify when you’ve washed off enough oil. This way, you can get the perfect level of cleansing, always!

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You’ll also want to avoid cleansing too often as it can break down the skin’s protective barrier. Twice daily, even during the summer, is enough. 

6. Defend Your Skin Against Dark Spots  

After active acne has cleared, you might find you’re left with red marks on the skin. These are caused by residual blood and dilated blood vessels. It is a must to fade these red marks quickly because they can collect melanin and become stubborn brown marks when exposed to the sun. This is an especially big risk during the summer months when we’re out in the sun more. 

Use Lighten Up to fade the appearance of red marks before they become brown spots. If you already have brown acne marks, or even brown sun spots and age spots, Dark Mark Defense and its potent anti-pigmenting agents can help fade the look of them up to 4x faster! 

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7. Continue to Use Clear Out Every Evening

While there are certain changes you might want to make to your summer skincare routine, such as switching to a lighter moisturizer or adding a sun-spot-fighting product, one key step remains a constant – Clear Out.  

Gentle enough to use on sensitive skin, even during the summer, the medical-grade retinol and AZA will continue to flush out clogged pores and help you prevent future breakouts. 

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Have questions for us? 

We’re here to help! Get in touch with us via Messenger chat or Instagram DM (@clearlybasics).  

Disclaimer: This article should not be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical-related matters, please consult your dermatologist. 

Better Together: Choosing Products That Complement Your Clearly Routine

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From our gentle cleansers to our nourishing moisturizers, all products by Clearly Basics have been designed to work well with each other to effectively fight acne while being kind to sensitive skin. 

As you can see, the Clearly routine is pretty simple, and on most days, you might find you don’t need much else.  

Still, there are days when we’d like to dress up and go wild with our makeup. Or days when we’d like to add a little luxury to our routine with a face mask (and a relaxing scented candle). To choose products that safely complement your Clearly routine – and that are nice to acne-prone skin, here’s what to look out for:   

For Any and All Products 
Be it your sunscreen, makeup, or even your hair products, keep an eye out for the “non-comedogenic” label. This means they won’t clog pores – which can lead to acne. If the label is nowhere to be seen, take a look at the list of ingredients for red flags such as cocoa butter and lanolin. If you’re still not sure if a product is comedogenic, don’t be afraid to ask the sales assistant or customer service line. Or, ask us! We’re always ready to help. 

For Sunscreen  
At the risk of sounding like a nagging parent, we have to say this again: sunscreen is a MUST. Yes, even when it’s cloudy outside and even when you’re indoors. This is especially important when you have acne. You know those red marks you get after acne has cleared? They can quickly collect melanin and turn into stubborn brown marks when exposed to sunlight.  

When choosing a sunscreen, go for a lightweight, broad-spectrum one with at least SPF 35+ and a PA+++ rating. Ingredients to avoid include heavy oils, such as coconut, and fragrance. If you’re concerned about skin looking ‘shiny’, look for products with a matte finish.  

For Face Masks 
While face masks don’t often stay long enough on the skin for them to make a huge difference, they can be a great addition to your routine – especially when you need a little pampering.  

Look for face masks targeted at your skin concerns. For acne, consider ones with exfoliating and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as tea tree oil, bisabolol, and niacinamide. That said, you’d want to be careful and make sure the actives won’t clash with the retinol. For hydration, look for face masks with hyaluronic acid, and to tackle fine lines, masks with antioxidants such as vitamin C and resveratrol are good choices.  

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you might want to try clay masks instead of sheet masks or any thick, creamy ones. Ingredients such as kaolin and bentonite can help with clogged pores, drawing out impurities, absorbing excess oils, and speeding up the healing of active acne. 

It’s also best to avoid DIY masks if you’re unsure how your skin might react to them. For example, ingredients such as lemon, baking soda, and garlic can dry and irritate skin.   

For Exfoliants 
Regular exfoliation can brighten and soften skin, as well as help with breakouts by removing the build-up of dead skin cells. While physical exfoliants such as sugar scrubs feel good, they can irritate and inflame skin. 

Chemical exfoliants, such as the AHA and BHAs based cleansers, could be a better alternative for you as they can break down dead skin cells without the harsh friction. 

For Makeup Remover  
On days when you’re wearing heavy makeup, we recommend a double cleanse. Start removing makeup with an oil-based cleanser and follow with a gentle cleanser. An oil-based cleanser helps dissolve the oils from your makeup and your pores while keeping skin moisturized, making it a great choice for those with oily skin. Look for a formula that is free of possibly irritating ingredients such as fragrance and alcohol.   

If your makeup is light, however, a thorough wash with your preferred cleanser is enough. 

For Makeup  
Be it your foundation or your blush, look for hypoallergenic, water-based makeup. This means the first ingredient on the list should be water. You can also consider mineral-based cosmetics, with ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which don’t clog pores.  

Also, while sharing is caring, it’s best to keep your makeup products to yourself to prevent any transfer of bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells from person to person. 

Want to safely introduce new products to your routine but are unsure how?  

Send any questions you have our way via Messenger chat or Instagram DM (@clearlybasics)! 

Disclaimer: This article should not be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical-related matters, please consult your dermatologist.    

Clash of the Actives: Be Careful When Mixing These Products with Retinol

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Credit: Disney/Marvel

Imagine making a smoothie and throwing all sorts of ingredients into the blender, from apples to ice cream and salmon. While these foods taste good on their own, when mixed together, it becomes a big cup of bleh.  

Likewise, while skincare actives can be good for you on their own, when you layer on too many, you risk the products clashing. Sometimes, it causes irritation, and in other cases, the actives can cancel each other out. Now that would be a waste, wouldn’t it? 

If you are using a product with acne-fighting retinol, here are some common skincare ingredients to be more mindful of: 

Benzoyl Peroxide 

As one of the most popular products out there for clearing acne, benzoyl peroxide is effective at killing the pimple-causing P. acnes bacteria and shedding dead skin cells. It’s pretty strong stuff, but when combined with retinol, the actives can end up deactivating each other, making them less effective.  

What to do: Choose one. There’s no need to have both titans in your routine. But if you’d like to, try using benzoyl peroxide in the morning and retinol at night.  

AHAs

AHAs, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, work by exfoliating the outermost layer of your skin. While retinol and AHA can work well together in a skincare routine, there’s also a chance for them to irritate skin, leaving it red, stinging, burning, and flaking. This is especially a concern if you have sensitive skin. 

What to do: Experiment with how your skin reacts to these actives by starting with one of them first. If there’s no irritation, you can start introducing the other active into your routine. Still, it’s best to space these ingredients out. Consider applying AHA in the morning (followed by your sunscreen) and retinol at night.  

BHAs 

Similar to AHAs, BHAs such as salicylic acid are excellent exfoliants. BHAs go deep into the pores to break down dead skin cells and oil, which makes them great additions to a routine for acne-prone skin. But, they can also be drying. Depending on the concentration, when used together with retinol, there’s a risk of irritation. 

What to do: Use BHAs in the morning and retinol at night. 

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C is a celebrated antioxidant that protects us from the villains out to attack our skin, such as UV rays and pollution. But when mixed with retinol, some might experience irritation and sensitivity.   

What to do: Again, this does not mean you need to cut vitamin C out of your routine completely. Simply apply your vitamin C product in the day and use retinol at night.   

More Retinol 

Retinol, and especially the medical-grade retinol, is already a powerful active. So there’s no need to use it twice in your routine. By doing so, you could even risk irritation.  

What to do: Choose one retinol-powered product and you should be good to go! 

At the end of day, it’s best to listen to your skin. Your skincare routine should be personal to you so if you find that layering on these potentially clashing actives works for you, go ahead! 

Want to be sure your current routine is A-OK for your skin?  

Send any questions you have our way via Messenger chat or Instagram DM (@clearlybasics)! 

Disclaimer: This article should not be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical-related matters, please consult your dermatologist.

You Ask, We Answer: Do We Get Acne from Our Parents?

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Has anyone ever said you look like your mom or dad?  

Back in school, we learned that much of who we are is shaped by our parents through a little something called genetics.  

Our eyes, nose, and even some of our personality comes down to our genes. 

If you’ve ever wondered if you inherited acne from your parents and what you can do about it, read on! 

The Link Between Acne and Genetics  

The short answer is yes, acne does have a genetic component. 

But the connection isn’t a clear, straight line. 

You see, there are four key processes that lead to the formation of acne1: 

  • Increased shedding of skin cells that cause clogged pores 
  • Increased sebum production 
  • Colonization of the follicles by the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria 
  • Complex inflammatory mechanisms 

While there isn’t one specific gene that causes acne, research has shown that your genes can influence your chances of having acne. This could be because our genes can control the above processes in our bodies and in turn, make our skin ideal homes for spots. 

Let’s Check Out Some Studies

#1 A 2020 systematic review observed a strong association between family history and acne2. This means that if your parents have acne, you’re more likely to have it too.  

#2 Looking at the DNA of 26,722 people, scientists found genetic variations in 15 genome regions that were more common in people with severe acne. Many of the genetic variants discovered influence hair follicle formation, which means this could be a big risk factor for developing acne3.  

#3 In a study on family history, researchers found having a first-degree relative (parents, children, and siblings) with acne increases your risk of getting it by 4 times. This is because genes may determine the failure of follicles to become acne‐resistant in early adult life4.   

#4 A study of Iranian adolescents found that the prevalence of moderate to severe acne was 19.9% in pupils with a family history of acne, as opposed to only 9.8% in those without a family history. The risk of acne severity also increased with the number of family members with acne history5.  

#5 A large twin study of women found that family history of acne was significantly associated with an increased risk. Genes explained 81% of the difference in acne prevalence and only 19% was attributed to unshared environmental factors – such as stress6.  

#6 Another study found that family history of acne is associated with acne occurring earlier, having more blackheads and whiteheads, and more frequent relapse after isotretinoin7. 

#7 Lastly, a study on the influence of genes on sebum production found that identical twins had virtually the same rates of sebum excretion while non-identical twins had different rates. But, both identical and non-identical twins had different degrees of acne severity. This suggests that while sebum production is under genetic control, our environment too has a role to play in whether we get acne8. 

You Can’t Change Your Genes. But Here’s What You Can Control.

Before we start pointing fingers at our beloved family, let’s take a moment to emphasize that having ‘acne genes’ doesn’t mean you’ll get it for sure! While your genes can make it more likely for you to get acne, your environment and everyday habits are important too.  

For example, acne can be affected negatively by irregular menstrual cycles, sugary food, dairy products, the improper use of cosmetics, the poor quality of sleep, stress, and more9.   

You can care for your skin by taking care of yourself. Here’s a little checklist to help you get acne under control, no matter your genes: 

  • Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. 
  • Get 7-9 hours of sleep a night. 
  • Manage your stress with yoga, meditation, or your favorite way to unwind. 
  • Wash your face twice a day with a cleanser suited to your skin type. 
  • Make sure anything that touches your skin, from your fingers to your phone, are clean. 
  • Choose quality, non-comedogenic products. These are products that won’t clog pores – like Clearly Basics! 

References  

  1. A.U. Tan et al., 2018: A review of diagnosis and treatment of acne in adult female patients 
  2. Anna Hwee Sing Heng et al., 2020: Systematic review of the epidemiology of acne vulgaris 
  3. Christos Petridis et al., 2018: Genome-wide meta-analysis implicates mediators of hair follicle development and morphogenesis in risk for severe acne 
  4. Goulden et al., 2001: The familial risk of adult acne: a comparison between first‐degree relatives of affected and unaffected individuals 
  5. S. Zahra Ghodsi et al., 2009: Prevalence, Severity, and Severity Risk Factors of Acne in High School Pupils: A Community-Based Study 
  6. V Bataille et al., 2002: The influence of genetics and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of acne: a twin study of acne in women 
  7. F Ballanger et al., 2006: Heredity: a prognostic factor for acne 
  8. S Walton et al., 1988: Genetic control of sebum excretion and acne–a twin study 
  9. Jianting Yang et al., 2020: A Review of Advancement on Influencing Factors of Acne: An Emphasis on Environment Characteristics  

Disclaimer: This article should not be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical-related matters, please consult your dermatologist.   

You Ask, We Answer: How Does Natural Skincare Fit Into My Routine?

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Natural. Organic. Clean.  

These are HUGE buzzwords when it comes to skincare. 

But what do they really mean?  

Is all-natural the future of skincare? 

Truth is, while there are many natural ingredients that are great for skin, natural may not always be the way to go. 

What to Know About Natural Skincare   

#1 The “natural” label isn’t regulated. This means there’s no set standard of what natural skincare is. What brands say is natural may not fit your definition of natural.  

#2 Just because an ingredient is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe (hello, poison ivy). 

#3 For some of us, certain natural ingredients – even essential oils – can trigger allergies and cause skin irritation. 

#4 Not every natural ingredient is effective and some may even cause more issues. (Anyone ever experienced a breakout from coconut oil or shea butter when applied to the wrong place? 🙋🏻‍♀️) 

#5 100% natural products are harder to preserve, making them ideal homes for bacteria (think that forgotten bag of salad leaves sitting in the back of your fridge). 

#6 Because of #5, ‘natural’ skincare products often have unnatural preservatives or stabilizers. So, is it still natural? 

#7 There is no such thing as “chemical-free skincare”. Yes, you might have seen the term thrown around by brands but everything around us is a chemical. Oxygen, water, and even our bodies are made of chemicals.  

What to Use in Your Routine Instead 

Both natural and synthetic ingredients have their place in skincare. 

The point is to not subscribe to just one side and miss out on all the good stuff from the other. Prioritize skincare that is effective and able to deliver all that you love about natural ingredients to your skin.  

How do we do this? 

We bring together the best of both worlds.  

Clearly Basics combines the best of natural and lab-made ingredients. This means we get the benefits of the natural, with effective concentrations and formulations designed to absorb well and target your skin concerns. 

Fun fact: Many of the skincare ingredients we know and love – including retinol and hyaluronic acid – are synthetic copies of naturally occurring ingredients. 

What’s most important is to find a skincare product that is safe and works for YOUR skin. 
 
Have questions about how Clearly Basics can help you reach your skin goals?  

Get personalized advice on Messenger chat or Instagram DM (@clearlybasics). 

Don’t Skimp on Sunblock

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80-90% of aging is caused by exposure to UV and most of that damage is already accumulated by the time you hit your 30’s.  UV exposure not only darkens acne marks, but it also degrades the collagen surrounding your pores making them more visible.  Apply sunblock every day when going outdoors … the amount of sunblock which you need may be surprising!

What is the Best Sunblock?

Forget the opinions of others; the best sunblock for you would be one that you use everyday. If you do not enjoy using your sunblock everyday, it is time to change sunblock.

SPF vs PA Rating Systems

SPF only measures the ability to block the UV-B rays which cause sun burns. However, it does not provide any measurement for UV-A rays … the rays which destroy collagen. Look for sunscreens that have SPF 35 or greater and at least a PA+++ rating.

Dosage

To get the SPF or PA protection as advertised, you need at least ¼ teaspoon of sunblock for your face. This means that you should consume a 50ml tube of facial sunblock every two months in order to have adequate protection against the damaging effects of the sun.

Why SPF in Makeup Doesn’t Work

On average, you use a little less than 0.04g of foundation per day but in order to get the rated SPF50 on the package of your foundation, you need to use at least 7x the amount of foundation that you normally use!

Your foundation that is labeled SPF50, is only giving you SPF5.

No, that is not a typo … you are getting SPF 5 in your foundation unless you use an absurd amount of makeup. The math simply does not work out to the levels you need everyday (SPF35+)   Use a 1/4 teaspoon of sunblock for your face and another 3/8 teaspoon for your neck. Give 8 minutes for your sunblock to dry before applying makeup.

Don’t forget your neck!

The skin on your body is thinnest around your neck and chest … it is the area where most people first show signs of aging. You should be using the same amount of sunblock for your face as you do for your décolletage.

In order to break the habit of spreading leftover (inadequate amounts) sunblock from your face to your neck, leave on your counter a second brand/bottle of sunblock that you dedicate for your neck.

For More Questions …

Please message us by clicking Send Message from our Facebook page or Instagram profile or by visiting this link: https://m.me/clearlybasics

Disclaimer:

Nothing on this article should be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical related matters, please consult with your dermatologist.

#ClearlyResults

See what others have to say about Clearly Basics.
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Dealing With Scars

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If you’ve gotten past a bout of acne, you may feel that the battle is won. However, pimples often leave unsightly red or brown marks that linger long after the pimple has flattened.

Hyperpigmentation left behind by acne can be healed quickly and safely without expensive visits to the dermatologist.

What Causes Acne Scars?

Inflammation occurs when the body increases blood flow to the tissue surrounding a clogged pore¹. It is the body’s natural response in fighting off bacterial infection.

After the pimple has flattened, it normally takes 8 to 12 weeks for blood vessels to shrink back to its original size. The residual blood and dilated blood vessels cause the red scar and the scar often lingers longer than the pimple itself.

Getting Rid of Scars Using the Right Tools

One day difference using Lighten Up and Clear Out. Individual results may vary

Most scar products use lighteners to target melanin pigment. Such products only work on brown acne marks and does nothing to dissipate residual blood or shrink blood vessels in red scars.

To fade the appearance of red acne marks, use Lighten Up. This unique formulation uses botanical complexes to dissipate residual blood and reduce the appearance of dilated blood vessels: marigold flower, chamomile flower and tea tree oil.

Apply the Lighten Up both morning and evening and you should see a significant reduction within a month. The lotion does not clog pores and does not irritate sensitive skin.

Pair the Lighten Up with the Clear Out in order to flush out clogs and reduce red acne scarring at the same time:

A Different Tool for Brown Acne Scars?

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@deannaskin Individual results may vary

It is important to fade red scars quickly as it reduces the chance of UV exposure. When red scars are exposed to UV, they can quickly collect melanin and turn into brown marks².

Brown post-acne marks are more stubborn than red acne marks and can last up to two years. To fade a brown acne scar, use the Dark Mark Defense. This formulation penetrates deeper into the epidermis where melanin is buried.

Dark Mark Defense contains potent pigment-regulating agents that fade the appearance of dark marks much faster.

  • Vitamin E creates a healing barrier over your skin.
  • TXA brightens skin and fades the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
  • 4nBR creates a lightening effect on your skin.

Dark Mark Defense works on post-acne brown marks, sun spots, age spots and melasma. You will see a significant improvement with three months of continuous use:

Don’t know what type of acne scar you have? Generally red scars linger for only three months so if you have a scar that lasts longer than three months, it is likely a brown acne scar. For a personalized assessment, please click “Send Message” on the Clearly Basics Facebook page.

Atrophic Scarring

If pimples become very large/inflammed (or if you agitate or squeeze a pimple), they may cause damage to the surrounding tissue leading to a “pit” in your skin after the scar has healed.

Unfortunately, no lotion will be as effective in filling pitted scars as a visit to the dermatologist. They can assess the extent of the scarring and use dermal fillers, TCA CROSS or lasers in order to stimulate your skin to regrow the collagen lost.

Do note that a trained professional will not operate in an area of your face until you have been breakout-free in that area for at least three months. So to save time and money, stop the new breakouts first before consulting a dermatologist regarding scar repair.

Hypertrophic Scarring

In rare cases, an imbalance of collagen at the site of the scar leads to a raised patch of skin. This patch of skin requires a visit to the dermatologist as they will use a laser or a scalpel to cut away the patch.

Oil Duct Clog

Users often mistaken their oil duct clogs for hypertrophic scarring or keliod scars,

If you are not sure as to what type of scarring you have (red/brown, hypertrophic/oil duct clog), message us by clicking Send Message from our Facebook page or Instagram profile or by visiting this link: https://m.me/clearlybasics

As we will only assist with acne-related issues on the face and neck, please do not send us photos of random growths outside of the face and neck!

What People Are Saying About Clearly Basics …

Clearly Basics has helped many people with acne ranging from mild to severe; people with sensitive skin to people with extremely oily skin. For a personalized assessment, please click “Send Message” on the Clearly Basics Facebook page.

Here are some of our user’s stories below. These are users who have documented their entire acne journey on Instagram, including products they have used before they started Clearly Basics:

Mim (@mimandskin), a teacher from Southampton, battled hormonal cystic acne for over 6 years before she tried the Clear Out…

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@mimandskin Individual results may vary

“Out of everything I’ve tried over the 6 years I’ve battle acne on and off it’s by far stood out as being one of the most effective with no side effects (after the initial “purge”). I’ve used nothing but Clearly Basics for 11 months now and it still exceeds my expectations!”

Or how about Toni (@xx.tonilumsden), a stylist from Hertfordshire?

She spent over $6500 in acne products and treatments that did nothing for her acne but damage her skin …

Then she discovered the Power Duo and it changed her life…

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@xx.tonilumsden Individual results may vary

“Never in my life did I imagine my skin would be this clear! Clearly Basics has completely transformed my skin!”

Alisha (@skinwithak) suffered from severe acne and went through three rounds of oral medications before discovering Clear Out:

alisha
 

@skinwithak Individual results may vary

“All I can say is ‘Clear Out’ by @clearlybasics is a Godsend ❤️ It doesn’t leave me overly dry or flaky which most retinol creams did.” “I wish I came across Clearly Basics before starting oral medication as I would have purchased these and wouldn’t have had to put my body through so much!”

Or Ella (@_myskinstory), an aesthetician and a makeup artist who loves using the Clear Out to keep her skin less acne-prone.

“The Clear Out is my favorite and most recommended product to any of my followers who suffer with mild-acne as well as post-acne suffers. The combination of ingredients are unique and work THE BEST in keeping spots at bay as well as improving acne marks & scars.”

Bea (@beas.bareskin), a student from California, who has tried almost everything…

Ranging from prescription medication, chemical peels to a long list of brands (Clean & Clear, Clearasil, Proactiv, St. Ives, etc.)

…which resulted in even more breakouts, until she found Clearly Basics.

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@beas.bareskin Individual results may vary

“My skin looks so good now! I’ve had a few of my classmates tell me my skin texture looks so nice and even now. 😊”

And many more reviews from Google …

For more testimonials

Read: How 10 women around the world finally get clear skin

Try Us, Risk FREE!

If you finish an entire bottle and don’t see any results…

You’re entitled to a full refund within 90 days! T&Cs apply.

Get the Clear Out and give it a TRY!

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Disclaimer:

Nothing on this article should be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical related matters, please consult with your dermatologist.

Getting Cleansing Right

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It is a common misconception that a face wash will do the majority of the work in stopping new breakouts.

While cleansing is important, it only serves a basic function to remove pollutants and debris. Ingredients in a cleanser are washed quickly so they won’t do much as compared to a leave-on lotion.

That said, we see many people get this step wrong.  We find that people with normal/oily skin often use strong cleansers that overstrip their lipid barrier; forcing their skin to go into overdrive in order to produce more oil.

Frequency

Cleanse only twice per day: once in the morning and once in the evening using lukewarm water.  Use a towel to pat dry.  We want to clean off the debris and pollutants but avoid irritating any breakouts on your skin.

If you work out in the early mornings, consider a water-only rinse in the morning, and then a proper facewash after your workout.

Type of Cleanser

Use a cleanser that contains salicylic acid or glycolic acid. If you wake up especially oily or if there is a certain area of your skin that is particularly oily, spend more time working in the cleanser on your skin. 

After a good cleanse, your skin will feel refreshed, supple and primed.  If your skin feels “squeaky clean” or tight, you have overstripped your lipid barrier and your skin will need to produce more oil to compensate.

The Clearly Basics Balanced Cleanser is unique in that it contains both and AHA and BHA (most only contain one but not the other) yet it is gentle and does not cause irritation:

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Wash once in the morning and once in the evening using lukewarm water and use a cloth to pat dry. 

Makeup Removers

Minimize the use of makeup removers unless necessary.  We have seen many women struggle with milia later in life, particularly around their eyes where they had used biphasic makeup removers.

For the evening cleanse, take your time work in a gentle cleanser and it should remove most makeup. Experiment with the duration of your evening cleanse and then run a damp cotton pad across your face to test if you have done a good job removing your makeup. 

For More Questions …

Please message us by clicking Send Message from our Facebook page or Instagram profile or by visiting this link: https://m.me/clearlybasics

Disclaimer:

Nothing on this article should be interpreted as personal medical advice. For medical related matters, please consult with your dermatologist.

#ClearlyResults

See what others have to say about Clearly Basics.
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